2.16 Spinal Cord Injury Flashcards
Anterior Cord Syndrome
Anterior 2/3 of spinal cord
Paralysis & hypoalgesia below level of lesion
Preservation of sensation
Brown-Sequard Syndrome
Hyperextension damage on one side of spinal cord
Ipsilateral loss of motor function, proprioception, and sensation
Contralateral hypoalgesia
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Injury to lumbosacral nerve roots
Low back pain & sciatica, sensory loss, leg weakness, bowel & bladder dysfunction, ED
Central Cord Syndrome
Lesion in center of cord
Arms weaker than legs, bladder dysfunction, varying sensory loss
Often C4-5 with Asia score D
Conus Medullaris Syndrome
Injury to distal sacral cord segments
Low back pain & sciatica, saddle anesthesia, variable leg weakness, bowel & bladder areflexia, ED
Posterior Cord Syndrome
Loss of sensation & proprioception below level of injury
Unsteady gait, coordination difficulties
Asia score D usually
Tethered cord
Scarring or adhesions between cord & spinal canal
Syringomyelia
Cavitation of spinal cord
Spinal shock
Temporary state of reflex depression of cord function
Lasts hours to days
Flaccid paralysis
ASIA Impairment Scale A
Complete
No motor or sensation
ASIA Impairment Scale B
Sensory incomplete
Sensation but no motor
ASIA Impairment Scale C
Motor incomplete
Sensation & motor with strength <3
ASIA Impairment Scale D
Motor incomplete
Sensation & motor with strength 3+
ASIA Impairment Scale E
Normal
Hyperreflexia may be present
Extradural tumors (3)
Usually malignant
Rapid onset
Pain before dysfunction
